Not at all. You remain fully conscious and in control throughout the session. EMDR is not hypnosis; it’s a guided process where you’re always present.
That’s okay. A trained EMDR therapist will monitor your responses closely and pause or adjust the process if needed. Safety and regulation are top priorities.
No it doesn’t erase memories. It helps your brain reprocess them so they no longer feel threatening or emotionally charged. They won’t feel as intense anymore and won’t trigger you.
Sessions usually last 50–60 minutes. Some therapists may offer longer sessions (90+ minutes) for more in-depth work, especially with EMDR 2.0.
Some people feel lighter or relieved. Others may feel tired, emotional, or even disoriented. This is normal as your brain is integrating. Self-care after sessions is encouraged. I will guide you through the process to make sure you are equipped to deal with anything that comes your way.
EMDR is safe for most people, but it’s not recommended during active psychosis, severe dissociation without grounding strategies, or untreated medical instability. A thorough intake ensures it’s appropriate for you.
You don’t need to “do” anything specific, but coming in with openness helps. Your therapist may begin with resourcing and grounding exercises before trauma processing. I want to get to know YOU and your story so I can tailor our session on you specifically.
Yes! EMDR is backed by over 30 years of research. It’s recognized by the APA, WHO, and the Department of Veterans Affairs as an effective trauma treatment.
In rare cases, unprocessed trauma may surface between sessions. This is why it’s essential to work with a qualified therapist who can help you regulate and contain difficult material. I am here to support you through the process and make sure you are ready to enter trauma work. No rush.
Not exactly. There’s less talking and analyzing. EMDR focuses on how past experiences are stored in the body and brain and helps you shift how they affect you now. I might incorporate more talk therapy strategies if needed to help you manage everyday anxiety so that EMDR eases in our work.